SIP Header Information Embedding for Intermediary Agent Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing SIP protocols face challenges in transmitting new control messages and data between SIP agents without intermediary processing, which can result in loss of header information due to unrecognized headers, especially when introducing new features or features in peer-to-peer communication, billing, or monitoring, requiring a method to embed information in SIP messages that evades intermediary agents.
Innovation Solution
The method involves encrypting information and embedding it in implementation-defined SIP header fields like Via, From, To, and Call-ID, using public key encryption and initial search strings to ensure the information is treated as identification data, allowing it to be transmitted and recovered without being detected or processed by intermediary agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new SIP headers are introduced to support new features, then new SIP features can be implemented, but intermediary agents may drop or fail to process these headers, resulting in loss of header information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds new SIP header information within existing header fields (such as Via, From, To, Call-ID) that are already recognized and processed by intermediary agents. This nesting approach allows new features to be carried without requiring intermediary agents to recognize new header types, thus avoiding header dropping while enabling new functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses existing SIP header fields as intermediaries to transport new feature information. By embedding data in fields like Via, From, To, or Call-ID that intermediary agents already handle, the patent ensures reliable delivery without requiring intermediary agents to process or recognize the new embedded information as separate headers.
2Reliability
If new SIP headers are processed by intermediary agents, then header information can be transmitted, but network overhaul is required which increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes existing SIP header fields multi-functional by embedding additional information within them. These fields serve both their original SIP protocol functions and the additional function of carrying new feature data, eliminating the need for new dedicated headers and avoiding network overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter usage of existing header fields by embedding encrypted information within their values. This parameter change allows the same field to carry both traditional SIP data and new feature information, avoiding the need to change the network infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If header information is embedded in SIP messages, then new features can be introduced without network overhaul, but the embedding method must ensure security and prevent detection by intermediary agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive header information from the normal SIP message flow and embeds it within existing headers using encryption. This extraction and encryption prevents intermediary agents from detecting or accessing the embedded information, while still allowing the information to be transmitted through the network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses encryption as an intermediary mechanism between the sender and intermediary agents. The encrypted embedded information appears as opaque data to intermediary agents, preventing them from detecting or processing the content while still enabling reliable transmission to the intended destination.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method is provided for passing control messages and other information through a SIP network by embedding the information in SIP messages. The information is sent from one SIP agent to another by encrypting the information, embedding the encrypted information in one or more implementation-defined SIP header fields, and transmitting a SIP message that includes the field or fields in which the information is embedded.